Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family of Deputy Saunders, he will always be remembered. My condolences to you. His memory lives on.

Deputy Sheriff Los Angeles
County Sheriff

May 22, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Saunders,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Los Angeles County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 22, 2021

Uncle Gary, the last memory I have of you is the night you and Auntie Juanita came over the week before...to have dinner and then play canasta with mom and dad. You came into the den and we watched a little TV with me before and after we all ate and then they called you into the kitchen to start the game. I had told you that Lori, my older sister, and I were selling chocolates for school and you bought one from me and one from her. You were both so happy and looking forward to Monique to be born. I was happy too because I was getting another cousin and Auntie let my touch her and feel the baby inside her. I remember her telling us that the baby was sleeping. That was a very happy moment for me.
Then when it was time to say good night, I put foil in my mouth, on my front teeth, to pretend I was wearing braces. You were so surprised when you saw it you questioned it, not remembering me with them when we were watching TV and having dinner. You caught my little joke of faking it. Then my mom did too. She didn’t think it was as funny As you did.
I felt that comfortable around you enough to play a joke with you. I did not know you were a Deputy Sherif at the time, just my Uncle Gary. I don’t think I ever saw you in uniform just pictures of you. I quest I was too young at the time. But my memory and last thoughts of you will always be in my heart and mind with the time I made you laugh and caught me with fake braces.
As all who have, that are, and will be a Deputy Sherif. I hope and pray you will always think and believe in the, “Lord is first, your family second, and duty third...

Steven R. Garcia
Nephew

June 23, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Saunders.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 21, 2019

I will never forget Deputy Saunders, as we were in the same academy class (January 1970 graduation). His tenacity, courage, coupled with kindess, were a great asset to the department. Although I am no longer with LA County (December 1975) I have never forgotten this good man and his love for justice. Years pass, but courage lasts a lifetime.

Dr Dennis McCain
LASO

September 6, 2019

I know you are still patrolling the Firestone area with us as we handle today's problems. You are always remembered.

Deputy Sheriff LASD

May 22, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

May 22, 2018

My Class 367 colors run was in honor of you. Thank you for your service R.I.P Sir.

Deputy Sheriff
LASD

February 6, 2018

RIP Deputy Saunders. You are not forgotten.

Deputy Sheriff LASD
Class 295

May 22, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 22, 2015

Deputy Saunders, It was an honor to have dedicated our colors run to you. You're daughter and her two young children along with her husband where present. You're daughter told us even though she never had the opportunity to meet you she always felt your love. Rest in peace Sir.

Class #367

Deputy
LASD

May 28, 2014

Rest In Peace Deputy Saunders, your service and sacrifice is remembered.

Sgt. Jarrod L. Wilson / K9 Officer
West Virginia Division Of Corrections

May 22, 2013

We were all shocked to hear of the murder of our friend and fellow Deputy, Gary Saunders... Gary was a couragous Deputy, attemtping to uphold the pride of FPK.... We and your family have missed you......

Sergeant Brad Ritchey (retired)
LASD

April 3, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace.

It seems a travesty of justuce if your killer only served four years. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 22, 2012

Gary, I remembered the day you laid your life down for all of us. I worked the CHP beat 10 that covered your area. I also had to use my weapon at the same intersection in July of 1971. I was on a PVI team checking vehicles when a man with a rifle attempted to fire at us. I know this intersection well. Thank you for your service and Semper Fi...Sorry it took me so long to say thank you.

State Traffic Officer #7185
California Highway Patrol

January 20, 2011

Deputy Sheriff Saunders,
I was watching a documentary on television which mentioned how you were you killed in the line of duty. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Los Angeles County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

September 19, 2010

Rest in Peace, Deputy Saunders. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

I was 5 years old at the time and I did not know what was going on.I was playing on the corner when at that time shots rang out.I instatly started to run home but I was curious about the noise and people running from the fallen officer.People ran right by me to get away from the scene,then all the cars that came and police officers that were there It was unbelivible for me to see.I still remember it like it was yesterday.I still see that poor officer still lying there in my mind,I was five then and I am 42 years old now and I can still see him.

Carlos Enriquez
I lived on the next street over

October 12, 2008

On January 16, 2008, LASD Academy Class #367, paid tribute to Deputy Saunders by honoring him on their Class Colors Run. I participated in the procession along with several other law enforcement personnel. Though I never personally knew you, I learned a lot about you while working at Firstone Station. Rest in Peace Brother, you will never be forgotten.
Tommy Carter, Sergeant, LASD-Palmdale

Sergeant Thomas W. Carter

January 21, 2008

Deputy Saunders,

Over three decades ago you made the ultimate sacrifice and because of that thousands of deputies continue to fight on. Your actions on that fatal day inspire us each and every day. Your courage and strength motivate and push us to be better. It is because of you that we stand together as one ready to protect the innocent from the vultures that prey upon them. Your name and actions will echo for eternity in our hearts and minds. We will not let the cause you fought for fade away. We will follow your example and try our best to keep the streets of Los Angeles County safe. You are our hero and will always be remembered. We will forever be dedicated to your memory of service and sacrifice.

-LASD Class #367 3rd Platoon


I AM A WARRIOR
by Jon F. Hooper

I fight not for glory or fame,
for they are momentary.
I fight for those who can't.
I fight for Justice.
I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden.
And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets,
for I serve to protect the innocent.
It matters not where or when,
for evil knows no boundaries.
Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny,
I will not flee.
Justice is my weapon.
Faith is my shield.
Hope is my armor.
Cry not at my passing,
for it was my Honor to fight for you.
Shed not tears of sorrow,
But tears of joy,
for now,
I stand with God.

Class #367 3rd Platoon
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

December 6, 2007

Beach Street/Holmes Avenue/Grandee Avenue from Florence Avenue (LASD) to 92nd Street (LAPD). Only God knows how many people have been shot / shot and killed, in that area.

I sometimes think about LA County Park Police Howard Shao Wai Huang who was shot and killed by suspects who fled and who have never been apprehended. Hell, all of the times that I worked that area alone, it could have easily been me.

On this anniversary (sic) of that fateful day, Deputy Saunders, I salute You.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

May 22, 2007

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

The Department never forgets.

Rest in peace, hero.

October 20, 2004

Rest easy, hero. It is because of people like you that we continue to pin the star. You are not forgotten. God bless.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)